How to Cancel Costco Membership (2026 Guide) — Get a Full Refund at Any Time, No Questions Asked
Updated 2026-02-28 · 5 min read
Costco Gold Star membership is $65/year (Executive is $130/year). Unlike most subscriptions, Costco has one of the best cancellation policies in retail — they'll refund your membership fee at any point during the year, no questions asked. The real question is whether the membership is saving you enough to justify keeping it.
✅ The Easiest Cancel in the Game
Costco will refund your full membership fee at any time, even 11 months into your membership year. No retention offers, no guilt trips, no certified mail. Just walk up to the membership desk or call. This is one subscription that respects its members.
How to Cancel Costco In Person
Go to any Costco membership desk
Bring your membership card (or just your ID)
Say "I'd like to cancel my membership"
They process it immediately and issue a full refund
Refund goes back to your original payment method or as cash
Cancel by Phone
Call 1-800-774-2678
Select the membership option
Request cancellation and refund
They'll process it over the phone
Should You Cancel? The Break-Even Math
🧮 Gold Star ($65/year) Break-Even
Average Costco savings: 20-30% vs grocery stores on bulk items
If you spend $200/month at Costco, you save ~$50/month = $600/year
If you spend $50/month, you save ~$12.50/month = $150/year
Break-even: spending about $25/month at Costco
🧮 Executive ($130/year) Break-Even
Executive gives 2% cash back on purchases (up to $1,250/year)
To earn back the extra $65: spend $3,250/year ($271/month) at Costco
If you spend less than $271/month, downgrade to Gold Star
Costco will refund the difference if you downgrade mid-year
What You Keep After Canceling
Costco.com: You can still buy some items online without a membership (with a 5% surcharge)
Costco pharmacy: Open to non-members in most states (by law)
Costco food court: Varies by location — some require membership, many don't
Costco gas: Members only — you lose access
Costco optical/hearing: Non-members can use these in many states
Alternatives for Bulk Buying
Walmart (no membership) — competitive prices on most items, free pickup
Aldi — 30-50% cheaper than traditional groceries, no membership
Amazon Subscribe & Save — 5-15% off recurring purchases, no membership needed